These crustal,
calc - alcaline
and
rapakivi
granites intruded the earth´s crust during the
syn - collisional stages (620 Ma) of the
Neoproterozoic
Brasiliano / Pan - African orogenic cycle which led to the formation of West Gondwana
(see
geology).
They most probably represent the roots of very old eroded volcanoes.
Cantareira was the name given by the famous
Tropeiros (muleteers) who frequented
the region in the 16th and 17th century. At that time, water was stored in jars (Cantarão)
which were piled on shelves (Cantareira).
Nowadays, Cantareira State Park protects the springs, streams and reservoirs
(Cambuçu, Engordador and Barrocada) that provide fresh water
for northern São Paulo. It is also home to one of the largest
howler monkey
colonies in Brazil.
The park is divided into the 4 sections - Pedra Grande, Águas Claras, Engordador and
Cabuçu - each one
offering many hiking trails of different length. From a large granitic rock (Pedra Grande)
there is a wonderful view on the sykline of São Paulo and at Núcleo Engordador you can visit
the historical "Casa da Bomba", a pump station built by german engineers in the 19th century.
Engordador has a little mountain bike trail.
